Sports blog information from USA TODAY.
129 nominees were announced on Tuesday.
On Tuesday, the Pro Football Hall of Fame released their list of 129 Modern-Era nominees.
From there, the list will be cut down to 25 semifinalists in November and then to 15 finalists come January.
The Miami Dolphins had seven former players nominated for the class of 2023. Some donned the aqua and orange for longer than others, but all seven of them had some great careers.
These are the Dolphins’ Modern-Era nominees for next year’s class:
If you were released by an NFL team today, your career may not be over! Several pro football Hall of Famers were once cut by other teams.
On the annual occasion of the NFL’s cruel necessity to trim its rosters down to the mandated 53 players, it’s important to remember that for the hundreds of players who heard the worst possible professional news on Tuesday, August 30, that there is hope after getting cut by one team. If you’ve put good tape out there, other teams will see it, and you might get another shot that way. Perhaps a coach or executive you’ve worked with before is on another team, and that person wants you where they are now. Or maybe a team that’s wafer-thin at your position will roll the dice.
Given the sheer numbers, it makes sense that players cut by one team would find success elsewhere. In rare occasions, players who have been jettisoned, unwanted, have rolled up to other places and played at levels that landed them (at the very least) in a Ring of Honor somewhere, and (at the very most) in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Not everybody releasing players this week is right. And not every player released this week is wrong. It’s important for all of those players to remember that, and perhaps to be inspired by this list of the best players in pro football history to find themselves released by one team, only to succeed beyond anybody’s wildest expectations somewhere else.
Former Broncos WR Wes Welker is unhappy with the NFL’s ‘bush league’ treatment of retired players.
Former Denver Broncos wide receiver Wes Welker is unhappy with the NFL’s treatment of retired players seeking medical assistance.
Welker recently applied for line-of-duty disability from the NFL and the league wrote a letter back to the ex-receiver informing him that “there were no records reflecting that the surgeries were performed as a result of injuries sustained while playing in the NFL.”
The league asked Welker to provide records proving the surgeries were related to NFL injuries, but it’s clear that he wasn’t happy with that request.
“@NFL I don’t have the time or patience for this,” Welker wrote on his Twitter page. “Been an employee of the NFL for 18 years and still going. This is bush league stuff!”
@NFL I don’t have the time or patience for this. Been an employee of the NFL for 18 years and still going. This is bush league stuff! pic.twitter.com/kcOfuSStx3
— Wes Welker (@WesWelker) August 27, 2022
Welker, 41, played for five teams during a 12-year career in the NFL, including a two-year stint with the Broncos from 2013-2014. He now serves as a wide receivers coach for the Miami Dolphins.
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The former wide receiver is not happy with the league.
During Miami Dolphins wide receiver coach Wes Welker’s playing days, he was one of the most physical players in the game.
In over 11 seasons with the Dolphins, San Diego Chargers, New England Patriots, Denver Broncos and St. Louis Rams, Welker was constantly taking big hits from defenders and moving the chains for his offenses.
Now that his playing career is over, the former Texas Tech Red Raider has applied for “line-of-duty disability” with the league. Upon hearing that their decision was tabled, Welker took to social media to voice his displeasure with the NFL, calling them “bush league.”
@NFL I don’t have the time or patience for this. Been an employee of the NFL for 18 years and still going. This is bush league stuff! pic.twitter.com/kcOfuSStx3
— Wes Welker (@WesWelker) August 27, 2022
According to the NFL’s player benefits and disability plan, the league is supposed to offer compensation for players who have reached a certain number of documented spine, shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, hip, knee, ankle or foot injuries or surgeries. This also includes permanent disablement or severe hearing/vision loss.
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The coach has learned a lot from Mike McDaniel.
When the Miami Dolphins hired Mike McDaniel to be their new head coach this offseason, it wasn’t just the former offensive coordinator who made the trip from San Francisco to South Florida.
McDaniel was joined by Jon Embree and Wes Welker, two assistant coaches who could really help Miami’s offense. While Embree has been coaching since the early 1990s, Welker only retired from playing just a few years back and is fairly new to the profession.
It was actually Miami where Welker started to showcase his skills as a receiver and returner from 2004-06 before he was traded to the New England Patriots.
Now, instead of making plays on the field, he’s in charge of a young, talented wide receiver room that boasts the likes of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle as the top two players on the depth chart.
Waddle spoke about learning from Welker after practice on Friday, and it’s clear the former Dolphin has the respect of his guys.
“It’s a different approach because he actually played and he had success in this league,” Waddle said. “You really take into consideration what he’s telling you because he did it before. It just makes it hit home a little better.
“I think he’s just himself. Out here and in meetings, he’s himself. He’s not going to sugarcoat nothing. He’s going to tell you if that was a bad play, that’s a bad play. That’s all you can ask for from a coach, honestly, is to give his true opinion.”
This is Welker’s sixth season as a coach in the NFL and his fourth working with McDaniel. That relationship has blossomed, and the head coach has taught him a few things about how to get the receivers prepared, including how to cut impactful coaching tape.
Waddle says the tape that Welker shows can really help a player, especially if reps aren’t perfect.
“It’s good,” Waddle said. “It makes it full circle, especially if you mess up and he shows you a play that you get the same look from the defense – kind of how it’s supposed to be. So he paints that picture in your mind so the next time you go out there, what to expect and how you’re going to treat it.”
While it’s only been seven seasons since Welker last played in an NFL game, he’s quickly catching on and becoming a respected positional coach in the league. Helping Waddle continue to grow and a guy like Erik Ezukanma, a former Red Raider like Welker, get adjusted to the league can only be beneficial for the young coach in the early stages of this new career.
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Could he push a veteran off the roster?
Following a day of off-field distractions, the Miami Dolphins hit the training camp field Wednesday with fans in attendance.
While Tuesday brought the NFL bombshell of a ruling, costing the Dolphins a pair of draft picks, social media was also atwitter with the Preston Williams drama.
The fourth-year undrafted free agent wide receiver tweeted his frustration earlier in the week with simply wanting opportunities and seemed to double-down on this notion when speaking with Miami media following practice.
Not only has Williams been limited and deep down the depth chart, but a 2022 undrafted free agent is also making early waves in camp and challenging veterans in the room. Braylon Sanders, out of Ole Miss, was signed by Miami following April’s draft, and so far, the receiver is impressing in camp. When speaking with the media, Sanders stated that it was soft tissue issues that hindered his playing time while in college.
Wide receiver coach, and former Dolphin Wes Welker, praised Sanders following Wednesday’s session.
“He has great body control, he has great hands,” said Welker. “He’s got speed. You know, he’s doing a lot of great things out there.”
That’s high praise considering the talent in the wide receiver room as well as the presence of another rookie receiver, Erik Ezukanma, who’s performing well thus far.
Both rookies have caught the attention and eye of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. The third-year signal caller told reporters on Wednesday he considers both rookies “dark horses” for the Dolphins’ offense.
“I’ve been very impressed with them,” he said. “They have very good ball tracking skills. They’re long, and they’re fast… The hardest thing for them is just transitioning with hearing the play-calls in the huddle and where to be. But, other than that, they’re very impressive throughout OTAs and throughout the first couple of days of training camp.”
While these young targets are making waves, not to be forgotten is Lynn Bowden Jr. Originally drafted by the Las Vegas Raiders in the 2020 draft, he was acquired by Miami and showed some signs of potential in limited action. An injury last preseason cost Bowden the 2021 season, but even Welker is aware the multi-faceted player needs more reps.
When mentioned, Welker agreed with a reporter who stated Bowden wasn’t getting many touches. The coach was also aware of Williams’ situation and provided his thoughts on the matter to the media.
“It is a very tough deal, there are limited reps,” he said. “I understand his frustrations. Preston has shown he’s a good player in this league. He’s doing some good things out there and he will get [opportunities]. He’s had a few. He’s done well in 1-on-1 drills.”
Back to Sanders.
He had a chance to speak with the media and support his own cause. When asked about not being drafted, and if it caused disappointment Sanders said, “No, not at all. It just added to the chip that’s on my shoulder now.” He then added confidently, “I’ve just got to come out here and keep competing and making plays.”
Which NFL receiver does he watch tape of?
“I like watching Davante Adams.”
While a lofty comparison, a follow-up question was asked in terms of body type.
“I think we’re about the same height, same weight, but I just like his releases and how he maneuvers – manipulates a defender on a route – and he’s going to catch the ball when the rock is thrown to him,” he said.
Sanders was asked several questions ranging from his pro-ready college offense, choosing Miami when weighing his options following the draft, and of coach Welker.
It seems Welker was instrumental in helping secure Sanders as a free agent.
“I met Coach Wes at the combine so just talking with him then and he was the first person to hit me up after the draft, so I just felt like this was the place for me to be,” Sanders told reporters.
There’s a similarity between coach and player, as Sanders described about Welker.
“He was undrafted as well, so just looking at his background and all the things he’s been doing coaching-wise and his career, I just thought that was the perfect person for me to learn from,” he said.
Sanders has reeled in a number of impressive highlight-reel catches and could continue to cause an excellent problem to have in Miami’s wide receiver room. A room that was once limited in depth now seems to have the welcomed issue of excessive talent and where not all will make this roster.
The undrafted rookie is proving to make life a bit more difficult for guys like Williams and Bowden, and that’s something everyone should continue to track leading into preseason games.
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He’s not on the top of everyone’s mind, but that’s what makes him dangerous.
The big-ticket items are always going to get more fanfare.
In all things, it’s flashy products and purchases that get people excited. If you’re a kid waiting for the groceries to come home, most look at the snacks and treats.
However, while fun and enjoyable, the real meat and potatoes of a grocery trip tend to get less publicity and celebration. At the same time, some of those purchases could be key to weekly, monthly or seasonal success or survival.
Following what seemed to be a trip to Costco and then a factory outlet mall, Miami Dolphins general manager Chris Grier loaded up for at least a season or two with purchases and acquisitions such as Terron Armstead, Chase Edmonds, Raheem Mostert and, of course, Tyreek Hill. On the way home, Grier couldn’t help but run into the Dollar Tree and scoop up a veteran linebacker.
Among the other moves that Grier made, like signing offensive lineman Connor Williams and said linebacker Melvin Ingram, there are a few additions that could prove as valuable as any when considering the task of the individual.
Enter Cedrick Wilson Jr.
The former Dallas Cowboy was an early free agent signing for the Dolphins back in March. Wilson had a fine 2021 season for Dallas, catching 45 passes for 602 yards and six touchdowns. That’s a ratio of a score every 7.5 catches.
Going deeper into those catches is the timing and importance of them, as Wilson was a prominent chain-mover out of the slot position, converting 27 of those 45 passes into first downs. When taking a closer look at his early career, Wilson’s three NFL seasons have seen a nice, steady trajectory.
After missing his rookie season, he had just five catches on eight targets in barely any action through six games. 2020 saw an opportunity for more playing time, as he appeared in all 16 games, recording 17 receptions, 10 of which gained a new set of downs. He also hit the endzone twice, which is a similar ratio of a score every 8.5 catches.
2021 was a solid leap, more than doubling his catch production while gaining a respectable 602 yards. For what is arguably work from a fourth offensive weapon, these numbers are rather impressive. Wilson was reliable in 2021 with a catch rate of 73.8%. If we want to compare, Hill had a catch rate of 69.8% in 2021, and Jaylen Waddle hauled in passes at a 74.3% clip.
Add Mike Gesicki into a target crew that includes Waddle, Hill and Wilson, and quarterback Tua Tagovailao truly need not have to throw the ball too deeply to gain heavy yardage. The Dolphins are aiming for higher yards after catch numbers from all receivers, and Wilson specializes in this area as well.
The 26-year-old had an average yards-after-reception of 5.6 last season which compares favorably with teammates Waddle (4.2) and Hill (4.0). It’s fair to say that while Wilson could be far down on the target list of Tagovailoa, simply because of the company around him, the former Cowboy will seemingly ride with whatever opportunity he gets and make the most out of it.
Wilson also has the benefit of getting coached up by one of the best slot receivers to ever wear cleats in former Dolphin Wes Welker. The once New England Patriot and Denver Bronco, coached with new Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel in San Francisco the last three seasons, and each and every Miami pass-catcher should be thrilled to learn from Welker.
After putting the full offense on paper, opponent questions will arise about who will cover who. Hill, Waddle and Gesicki give defenses nightmares, but please don’t sleep on Wilson, Jr.
When it comes to looking for an unsung, unheralded Dolphin with uncapped potential, look no further than Wilson, who may be a sneaky player to produce in important instances of the game. Look for Wilson to be a third-down fixture on a Miami offense that’s looking to be more potent than it has in decades.
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The reaction was mixed.
Miami Dolphins fans waited just hours to hear the name of the first rookie to be selected by general manager Chris Grier, as they selected Georgia linebacker Channing Tindall at pick No. 102 on Friday.
On, Saturday afternoon, they added a weapon for new coach Mike McDaniel, as the offensive-minded rookie head coach got his first pick on his side of the ball in wide receiver Erik Ezukanma out of Texas Tech. In a nice coincidence, the new Dolphins wide receiver coach, and former Miami player, Wes Welker is also a Texas Tech product.
While the Dolphins already have a loaded wide receiver room, the positional pick could be considered a relative surprise. Here’s a sense of how Dolphins’ Twitter immediately reacted following the 125th pick of Ezukanma.
Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski had a hilarious Wes Welker story on Monday
For former New England Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker, a shot of Jack Daniels got him ready to go during a late-season game in 2010.
Quarterback Tom Brady and tight end Rob Gronkowski told the story during a Q-and-A for Autograph NFTs.
The Patriots visited the Chicago Bears in December 2010. With 30 mile an hour winds and a windchill of 9° at opening kickoff, Welker was having a hard time getting warm. He took the shot to warm up a bit, as the Patriots were able to defeat the Bears by a 36-7 score. In doing so, they were able to clinch a playoff berth that year. Gronkowski joined in the fun as well, as transcribed by Chris Mason of MassLive.com.
“I do remember Wes Welker taking a shot of, I think, Jack Daniels before the game too because he was trying to warm up,” Brady said. “He’s like, ‘TB, come on get a shot!’ And I’m like, ‘I’m not taking a shot before the game.’ Because Wes was so old school. He was like, ‘I’ve gotta take it!’ And he did. He went out there and was wearing no sleeves. He was so fired up for the game. It was hilarious.”
Gronkowski was also able to confirm the story.
“He did. He did rip a shot. And it was Jack Daniels,” Gronkowski said. “What a maniac. I love him.”
Welker caught eight passes for 115 yards in the victory. The win over Chicago gave the Patriots their fifth win in a row, and they would win the final three games of the regular season. The Patriots would finish that season with a 14-2 record, while Welker would finish with 848 receiving yards and seven touchdowns.
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He has a great guy to work with.
The Miami Dolphins coaching staff is fully in place, and the guys are already putting in the work at the team’s facility.
On Wednesday, a number of coaches met with the media, including wide receiver coach Wes Welker. Welker spent three seasons with Miami as a player, but that was over 15 years ago.
Now, Welker’s leading the receiving room instead of trying to find his way in the league, and one of his biggest challenges in 2022 will be getting the most out of second-year wideout Jaylen Waddle. And, after a great season, the coach had nothing but kind things to say about the receiver.
Wes Welker on Jaylen Waddle: That kid is top notch. Ton of talent. Speed. Passion for the game. That’s what you want to work with. I’m excited to work with him and hopefully take him to the next level. pic.twitter.com/AxHMAGcfPq
— Joe Schad (@schadjoe) February 23, 2022
Welker spent the last three seasons working as the San Francisco 49ers wide receivers coach. During that time, the 49ers saw the emergence of Deebo Samuel as a top player in the league at his position. With Waddle, there may not be the same skill set as there was with Samuel, but there’s an extremely talented base for Welker and company to work with.
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